Swiss doc fest Visions du Réel has reminded doc professionals of the call for films and projects for its 58th edition running 9 to 18 April 2027. The final deadline is December 15.
Films in competition receive their world, international or European premiere. The competition sections are:
- International Feature Film Competition: celebrating the best of contemporary non-fiction filmmaking, in all its originality and eclecticism.
- Burning Lights Competition: an international competition of feature films dedicated to novel, free, adventurous and contemporary perspectives in cinema.
- National Competition: dedicated to feature-length and medium-length films (co)produced in Switzerland, the competition showcases the tremendous diversity and excellence of Swiss production.
- International Medium Length & Short Film Competition: celebrating the best of shorter formats in contemporary non-fiction filmmaking, in all their originality and eclecticism.
- Wide Angle: a competitive section of feature films that have already won over audiences at other festivals or that will mark the coming year.
- Opening Scenes: dedicated to the best contemporary emerging directors, the competition presents 15 first short films or student films.
Project sections are:
- VdR–Pitching: international co-production and financing forum for non-fiction projects in late development.
- VdR–Work in Progress: a showcase of creative non-fiction projects seeking distribution, festivals and sales.
- VdR–Rough Cut Lab: a four-day rough cut intensive for projects in editing stage.
Eurimages New Lab Award
Visions du Réel also announced its selection as a host of the Eurimages New Lab Award – Innovation. The €20,000 award will recognise an innovative and experimental project in development participating in VdR–Pitching that explores new forms of expression through its content and/or format. To learn more about project eligibility click here.
Visions du Réel Award at the 2026 Durban FilmMart
Elsewhere, the Kenyan director/producer team of Neema Ngelime and Ivy Kiru won the Visions du Réel Award at the 2026 Durban FilmMart for their project The Ones With the Tempered Flowers. Through the director’s exploration of her body and identity, the film examines the social and political pressures shaping women’s lives in Tanzania, questioning the obligations imposed in the name of love.
The team will receive two complimentary accreditations and three nights of accommodation to participate in the 2027 VdR–Industry programme in Nyon.
